Often, those who try to refuse synthetic materials in clothes, starting to read the information on the label in the store, put off the thing they like. Indeed, the word “cotton” was not found in the composition, but what seemed like a natural fabric was just viscose.
What is this, synthetics? Perhaps you managed to forget the labor lessons where the teacher talked about this natural fiber obtained by artificial means.
It has many advantages and not too inferior to cotton in properties. If you are interested in knowing whether viscose is a synthetics or not, we will tell you a little more about it.
The process of making fiber from wood pulp was mastered at the end of the 19th century. Since then, the technology of this production has remained virtually unchanged. First, the pulp is aged in a solution of caustic soda. Then, with the help of carbon disulfide, a xanthogenation reaction is carried out, after which the mass is passed through dies and placed in an acid bath. At the end of the process, the fibers are pulled to form filaments.
As you can see, viscose is really an artificially obtained fiber, however, given the naturalness of the raw material, it cannot be considered synthetic. By the way, the manufacture of fabrics is not the only use of viscose. It is also used in the manufacture of artificial leather, cellulose film, and car tires.
The properties
What properties do fabrics containing viscose have? This is, first of all, high hygroscopicity and breathability. This means that such a fabric absorbs moisture well (and even better than cotton), and the body in its clothes “breathes”. The coloring technology that is different from cotton (in the manufacture of viscose, paint is immediately added to the cellulose solution) allows for greater color brightness and less washing out of the fabric. Viscose clothing is wrinkled in the same way as cotton, but it requires more delicacy in the ironing process. Similarly, viscose and static electricity do not accumulate cotton.
They have artificial fiber fabrics and their shortcomings. Rayon is a less durable material than cotton, it is subject to more wear. This problem is partially solved by adding other fibers. Thus, more flexible and durable materials are obtained, which can look like linen and silk. When cutting and sewing, viscose can crumble heavily on cuts. When washing gives some shrinkage.
Viscose is a rather "capricious" material. When washing, clothes may become deformed, so you need to choose modes for delicate fabrics in the washing machine and, if possible, avoid intense spin. Do not unscrew such a fabric with your hands.
Varieties
Under what names can viscose be "hidden"?
This rayon is a thin, silk-like material called artificial rayon . Modern technology gives it such a resemblance to natural that it is often difficult to distinguish between them. However, the difference is easy to “smell” when burned: for cellulose silk, the smell will resemble burned paper.
Another modern type of viscose fabric is the modal, which is characterized in that it has less weight, increased strength and retains its softness after many washings.
Check out another cellulose-based material, Lyocell. It is made only from raw materials obtained from eucalyptus, and only with the use of organic solvents. This means its suitability even for people allergic to artificial materials, as well as the safety of the environment. Such fabrics have a noble appearance. They are surprisingly pleasant to the touch, but expensive to manufacture, and therefore most often combined with other fibers.
From the above it follows that artificial fibers created on the basis of natural raw materials, especially with modern technologies for their production, can be a worthy alternative to natural fibers - and subject to the recommendations for leaving a thing from viscose, you will not disappoint.